The New Zealand team said it refused to continue because defender Michael Boxall was racially abused by a Qatar player and no action was taken. “Michael Boxall was racially abused during the first half of the game by a Qatari player,” New Zealand Football said in a statement on social media shortly after the abandonment. In a statement on its website, New Zealand football said the alleged racial slur against Boxall, who is of Samoan heritage, was heard by several players. CNN has also contacted the Qatar Football Association for additional comment. But the staff of New Zealand also, they supported the statement of the New Zealand player; we support our player.

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